As the euthanasia debate heats up in New Zealand, so has criticism of some of the advocacy, including material found in a Catholic cathedral. In Canada, people of faith have much to be critical about in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s edict about government funding for a summer jobs program. In Christchurch, a city still recovering from devastating earthquakes several years ago, a new church has offered a ray of sunshine, but it’s not so positive for Pope Francis when one looks at his work to tackle child sexual abuse — highlighted again on his recent trip to Chile. As always, Anna, Don, James and Gavin offer something a bit lighter after an intense but important discussion about some of the big Catholic stories of the month.

As 2018 gets under way, Pope Francis has been very clear in his advice to Vatican ambassadors — uphold the family and protect all life. He’s also been clear about people’s obligations to refugees and asylum-seekers, while acknowledging that some people can fear “the other”. In New Zealand, there’s a call for an inquiry into child abuse to include religious organisations, and in Australia, a new sculpture is causing a little confusion, but also raising awareness. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin for the first episode of the year.

In the final episode of 2017, there is cause for celebration, but also cause for concern. In New Zealand, Catholics welcomed the appointment of a new Bishop of Christchurch. But there was also fear that attempts to legislate euthanasia might be successful in the country, though there are many hurdles before that can happen. In Europe, Pope Francis is wondering aloud if the Lord’s Prayer might be confusing people, while the new Polish leader wonders how Christianity might again shape Europe. But when it comes to pure fun, our Anglican friends seem to have it sorted, with a toboggan ride in an English church. Just another fun Christmas episode of The 15th Station. Wishing all our listeners and your loved ones a happy and holy Christmas.

The Catholic and Lutheran Churches have marked 500 years since Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses on the door of a German cathedral, reflecting on the shared faith and expressing a desire for unity. In the new New Zealand Parliament, there’s talk about a reformation of the opening prayer, removing references to God and Jesus Christ. In Rome, Pope Francis will celebrate the first World Day of the Poor with several hundred people living in poverty, while in Wellington, the Sisters of Compassion are waiting for a miracle — or two. And finally a Hollywood star reflects on his hopes that God is a movie fan, but also forgiving of poor role choices. Join Anna, Donald, James and Gavin in this month’s episode of The 15th Station.

Tragedy has struck again, this time in Las Vegas, where the local Catholic bishop urged locals and tourists alike to band together in solidarity to support the mourning, the injured and the suffering. Pope Francis has acknowledged the inadequate response to the scourge of clerical sexual abuse, saying the Church was too late to recognise the gravity of the situation. The Pacific bishops are trying to avoid being too late to support the local economies and a New Zealand-born Australian bishop wants to make sure it’s not too late to reach people’s hearts and minds via social media. If that fails, the power of music and the Eucharist might work — or at least that’s maybe what some Colombian worshippers concluded. Enjoy the musings of Anna, Don, James and Gavin in this month’s episode.

As New Zealanders prepare to vote in their national election, the issue of abortion — and the views of the Catholic Prime Minister — were put front and centre. Meanwhile, Pope Francis is seeking to empower local bishops’ conferences and protect the planet, through separate initiatives. In the US, religious affiliation numbers are seeing a drift away from Christianity and a rise of Latino Catholics. We’re not sure any of those faithful Catholics would choose to baptise their children in a sporting trophy, but an NHL champion has. Enjoy the show

As The 15th Station celebrates its 10th birthday, there’s time for a little trip down memory lane and a chance to welcome back some friends — old and new. But it’s not all reminiscing, with several big stories to discuss. In New Zealand, there’s celebration to be had as three new priests were ordained for the Diocese of Christchurch. New Zealand is also currently grappling with the possibility of euthanasia, but a new report doesn’t recommend it as the right way forward. There’s also social change on the Australian agenda, with same-sex marriage about to be considered by the people and the Parliament. In the northern hemisphere, a US bishop is calling for humane treatment of migrants. And in Wales, a case of mistaken identity meant it was free drinks all round. Join James, George, Anna, Gabriel and Gavin for opinions and reflections.

Pope Francis has offered the influential world leaders at the G-20 summit some important reflections, including on their responsibility to look after their own people, as well as their brothers and sisters around the world. The New Zealand Catholic Bishops similarly urged their flock to consider the most needy when New Zealanders vote in the national election later this year. There are two big stories from Australia in this month’s episode. The most recent Census has shown that the number of people stating they have “no religion” has increased significantly, meaning Christians are now barely a majority in the country. And in news that grabbed headlines around the world, former Archbishop of Sydney and Melbourne, Cardinal George Pell, has been charged with historical sexual abuse offences. Also in Australia, a motorcycle club is taking to the streets to connect with others and share the story of Jesus. A typically diverse and fast-paced episode awaits. Enjoy the show.

All eyes will be on the Vatican later this month when Pope Francis plays host to President Donald Trump, with the discussion predicted to cover some uncomfortable territory for the latter. Closer to home, New Zealand Catholic education leaders are looking at how best to support “unChurched” young people in their quest for faith. Across the Tasman Sea in Sydney, it was supporting pregnant women that inspired pr0-life advocates to fight proposed abortion laws. Back in Europe, Pope Francis has canonised two of the Fatima visionaries on the 100th anniversary of the first apparitions. In between time, the Holy Father found time to record a TED talk, in which he spoke about the importance of leaders who had generosity and fairness in their hearts. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin as they navigate those stories in this month’s episode.

On the eve of Easter, the Christian community in Egypt was rocked by another deadly attack on their places of worship, with dozens killed and dozens more injured during services on Palm Sunday. The attacks came as the Middle East, Syria in particular, continues to be a hotbed of death and destruction. There was some joy in New Zealand, with the final profession of the first De La Salle Brother in 20 years, and the generosity of service of altar server in his 40s also brings a smile to faces after the difficulty of other stories. Join Anna, Don, James and Gavin in this Easter episode of The 15th Station, We wish you all a happy and blessed Easter season.

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The 15th Station is our active monthly news podcast. We get a panel of Kiwi Catholics together to provide a Catholic perspective on the news and current events of the month.

Catechiwi is our archived catechesis podcast where we get a guest theologian from around the country or the world to speak on an aspect of the Catholic Faith.

Ignition leverages our partnerships with organisations like Hearts Aflame to provide a back catalogue of amazing lectures and talks from international speakers. We divide these talks up into multi-part podcasts.